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British Intelligence Cites Iraq War as Cause of Terrorism

New York Times
July 19, 2005
June Report Led Britain to Lower Its Terror Alert
By ELAINE SCIOLINO
and DON VAN NATTA Jr.

LONDON, July 18 - Less than a month before the London bombings, Britain's top intelligence and law enforcement officials concluded that "at present there is not a group with both the current intent and the capability to attack the U.K.," according to a confidential terror threat assessment report.

The previously undisclosed report was sent to British government agencies, foreign governments and corporations in mid-June, about three weeks before a team of four British suicide bombers mounted their July 7 attack on London's public transportation system.

The assessment by the Joint Terrorist Analysis Center prompted the British government to lower its formal threat assessment one level, from "severe defined" to "substantial." The center includes officials from Britain's top intelligence agencies, as well as its police forces and Customs.

Asked to comment on the document, a senior British official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, "We do not discuss intelligence assessments."

British officials said the reduced threat level had no practical impact on terrorism preventive measures, and the British home secretary said it did not make Britain more vulnerable to attack.

The tersely worded threat assessment was particularly surprising because it stated that terrorist-related activity in Britain was a direct result of violence in Iraq.

"Events in Iraq are continuing to act as motivation and a focus of a range of terrorist related activity in the U.K.," said the report, a copy of which was made available by a foreign intelligence service and was not disputed by four senior British officials who were asked about it.

On Monday, Pakistani government officials confirmed that three of the four men identified as the London bombers visited Pakistan last year.

Prime Minister Tony Blair and other British government leaders have sharply criticized claims made since the attacks that the country's support for the American-led war in Iraq and the involvement of British troops in fighting the insurgency there were factors in the terrorist bombings on British soil.

On Monday, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, an influential private research organization commonly known as Chatham House, concluded that Britain's participation in the war in Iraq and as "pillion passenger" of American foreign policy had made it vulnerable to terrorist attack. A pillion is the second seat on a motorcycle.

Mr. Blair and other British leaders have insisted there is no evidence that the policy on Iraq motivated the London bombers. They have argued instead that the coordinated bombing attacks that killed at least 56 people are part of a continuing worldwide campaign of anti-Western violence by Al Qaeda and Qaeda-influenced groups that predates the American-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003.

"The terrorists have struck across the world, in countries allied with the United States backing the war in Iraq and in countries which had nothing whatever to do with the war in Iraq," Jack Straw, Britain's foreign secretary, said Monday in Brussels.

Two groups have claimed responsibility for the attacks, although neither claim has been authenticated. Both mentioned the Iraq war as one of the reasons for the attacks.

By reducing its assessment of the threat, British officials put the possibility of a terror attack by Islamic radicals only one level higher than the current chance of a terror attack by the Irish Republican Army, now ranked as "moderate."

In April of this year, before Britain's general election, the possibility of an I.R.A. attack was ranked as "substantial," the same threat level as an Islamist terror strike before July 7. The last I.R.A. attack in London was a bombing at the Canary Wharf in 1996.

The disclosure of the report's contents comes as some British politicians are calling for an official inquiry into whether the attacks represented a failure of intelligence and whether the investigation has been handled properly.

A senior British official familiar with the deliberations about the threat assessment said there was a sharp disagreement among officials about whether the intelligence justified lowering the threat level. "There was not an easy consensus," said the official, who declined to elaborate.

As the investigation into the terrorist bombings continues, British police officials admitted that a potential suspect had escaped detection two weeks before the bombings because he was not deemed a serious security threat.

The unidentified man, who was on a security "watch list," arrived in Britain several weeks ago, but was not placed under surveillance. He left Britain just hours before the London bombings. British investigators have said he is a suspect in the attacks.

Some British and European counterterrorism officials have raised concerns that at least two of the bombers might have been known to the police as part of two sprawling terrorism investigations in 2004: the investigation of an alleged attempt in the spring to build an enormous fertilizer bomb to strike somewhere in London, and the arrest of a small cell of men in August who were accused of plotting to attack financial buildings in Manhattan, Newark and Washington, D.C.

Questions have been raised, for example, why domestic intelligence agents did not determine that Mohammad Sidique Khan, one of the four bombers, was a threat to national security in 2004. Early last year, Britain investigated him in connection with the alleged plot to build the fertilizer bomb and use it in London, according to several European-based counterterrorism officials. British officials have refused to confirm whether Mr. Khan, 22, of Leeds, was a suspect in that investigation, or answer questions about why they did not monitor his activities.

The fact that the terrorist threat warning had been lowered just weeks before the bombings was widely reported in the news media the day after the attacks. But the rationale for that decision and the reference to Iraq, contained in the confidential report, has not been previously disclosed.

Immediately after the terrorist attacks, top police officials announced that they had had no warning that an attack was imminent. Since then, senior officials have said there was no intelligence developed about an attack using suicide bombers or one aimed at the London Underground.

On the day after the attacks, for example, Home Secretary Charles Clarke was asked about the lowered threat assessment on BBC radio, and replied, "Obviously, it was wrong." Mr. Clarke said the threat level had already been increased, adding, "The fact is, we need to try to get this right."

While the report said there had been no sign of an imminent attack, it also clearly said there was a two-pronged threat facing the country. One threat came from the international Qaeda network, and the other came from indigenous radicals that either draw inspiration from Al Qaeda or act independently, the assessment said.

The threat from Al Qaeda's "leadership-directed plots has not gone away," the report said.

Despite that threat and the situation in Iraq, it added, "many of our current concerns focus on the wide range and large number of extremist networks and individuals in the U.K. and individuals and groups that are inspired by but only loosely affiliated to A.Q. or are entirely autonomous."

The report concluded, "Some of these have the potential to plan U.K. attacks, and it is also possible that lone extremists or small groups could attempt lower-level attacks."

The analysis center that released the assessment is based at the headquarters of MI5, Britain's domestic security service.

Although "substantial" is the fourth highest of seven levels of threat definitions, the assessment memo said it "indicates a continued high level of threat and that an attack might well be mounted without warning."

This compares with "critical," the highest level of alert, which means that an attack is expected within two weeks, down to "negligible," the seventh and lowest level.

Unlike the United States, where threat assessments are made public, Britain uses its own version only as guidance for Scotland Yard and Britain's infrastructure, including hospital and transport systems, as well as for foreign governments and multinational corporations that could be targets.

Some foreign intelligence officials and foreign corporate executives with operations in London said they were surprised when they learned last month that Britain's threat assessment had been lowered.

"It was a surprise for me that suddenly, one day, after two or three years, it changed," said a European-based intelligence official who would not allow his name to be used because officials who work for the intelligence agencies are required by the rules of their agencies to remain anonymous. "I said to myself, 'Oh, my God, what happened?' "

What we are witnessing is not necessarily about immediate power, nor is it a new game from the so-called Neocons. Everything going on predates the current Bush. It's all about something George (the 1st) talked about in the late 80's which he lovingly referred to as the New World Order. George sr. needed to be elected to a second term to really set his plan in motion, but we the people had had enough and elected Clinton, twice (to senior's chagrin). The New World Order during that time became a non-profit organization and was renamed The Project for the New American Century, headed by the likes of Rumsfeld, Rove, Cheney and Jeb Bush. The Clinton era really put the brakes on the first George's plan - New World Order by the turn of the century. Due to a rapidly expanding American citizen's world view, a better economy and the rise of technological advances, electronic media outlets and the internet, it looked like it was getting increasingly more difficult to pull the wool over our eyes. They had to act quickly because George the 1st is growing old. When they won(?) the election in 2000 they needed to create a boogeyman, a common enemy, that we would all rally against. The easiest way to do that was to create a new Pearl Harbor, the WTC incident. It went off without a hitch, it went so well that Congress didn't question it. They did question the intelligence and created the Patriot Act, which many in America stood behind, sadly throwing away freedom in exchange for security (New World Order - testing the water, how many can be successfully brainwashed?). We flew flags, we wrote songs about our flags, we waved our flags while we sang songs about our flags. We went into Afghanistan to find Osama, leader of the new boogeymen, he's still at large. We went into Iraq, for the oil... I mean, for democracy (New World Order). We went into Iraq to find Saddam. We found Saddam pretty quick, unlike Osama who probably knows the best way to hide is to remain in plain sight. But who needs to hide at all when the leader of the free world has got your back? Here's food for thought: Does George Jr. know that the men he is surrounded by are working to forward his father's vision? Does he know that Rove did something wrong? Does he think the best way to fight terrorists, most of whom were Saudis, is to go to war in Iraq? Is it possible that the answer to those questions is NO? Is it possible he's just a burned out ex-coke abuser who just reads the same scripted speech over and over because it's what dad tells him to do? I'm not saying that exonerates him, but it does make him a very bad president. Sadly, being a bad president, if that's the case, is not a means for impeachment. But the uncovering of the truth behind the lies as they relate to the old men from the administration of George the 1st and removing those men should be the ultimate goal of any free thinking member of this great country. Without those men, George the 2nd would become a true lame duck. Any investigations done with zeal and vigor should uncover a large web of deceit and betrayal leading back to the Reagan administration, an actor reading a script, with George the 1st standing in the background, smiling and nodding as the leader of the free world espouses another old man's rhetoric. Additionally, I truly believe that if George the 2nd was not an option going into the new millennium then we would be talking about Jeb or Neil, with exactly the same players and same situation that we are witnessing today.

Maybe Britian's zionist/'pro american corporation' leaders are responisble for the bombings? The UK is part of the military mediatainment complex. The US is not officially a christian state...the UK is. Christians killing for freedom and supporting the racist/terrorist nation of Israel! That's the US and UK!

This all bullshit, what are you five years old.Engaging in violence is what the Facicts we are against are doing in our name. You are right I do hate Bush and his thugs, they have reduced the American image to it's lowest level in our history, and it is all for money & power not freedom.When you get out of grade school start thinking for yourself instead of listening to whoever gave you that crap you just regurgitated on my screen .

I hardly need say that everything is rapidly coming to a boiling point, and before long something has to give. The difference is that as the Light grows stronger the dark are more in disarray. They thought they were so powerful and were invincible, but now find that their fine plans are coming unstuck. Although they revel in chaos and creating fear, they also like to be in control of it and they are losing their grip. What a new experience for them to live in fear as they no longer know who are their true supporters. Many who were considered supportive of their aims are turning away at a time when they badly needed them.

The dark are becoming vulnerable to all of the facts that are being revealed about their true agenda and covert operations. It is being realized that their actions over many years have gone against the principles established in your Constitution. Just in time there has been an awakening to the gradual erosion of your rights and civil liberties. This strikes at the hearts of everyone who values their freedom and sovereignty.

The truth is now spreading fast thanks to many stalwarts who have stuck their heads out at some personal risk. It now reaches far and wide and is beyond the control of those ho wish to curtail it. News does travel fast, particularly through the Internet and Email connection. There will always be attempts by the dark to cause confusion by spreading false information, but usually your intuition will determine those to be ignored. If it does not ring true, put it aside and if need be come back to it later. These are all areas of confrontation, as part of the battle is for peoples minds, and there is nothing like a good dose of confusion to cause people to lose interest.

This is however one battle that you must win, and providing the communication channels are kept open you will have no problems. There are moves to control the Internet, but any real developments are far away. These are the forms of communication that must be kept open and maintained as a foundation for free speech. You will not truly be free until the benefits of First Contact and NESARA are put into being, and they will be definite and sure in their aims to re-structure society based on the original Constitution. This will just be the start of massive changes for the good of all. Even many of those who were not of the Light and are known for what they were, will take their place amongst the ranks of the Lightworkers.

You must allow for people to be converted to the Light, and trust will be a quality that will be most essential. It would be easy to label people as unworthy, but when they have a genuine desire to overcome their darkness, they need a helping hand. This is what life is all about, and that ideal never changes even as you continue to move onwards. Indeed, as you move into the higher dimensions as great as some Beings are, they have the humility and grace to lift others up to them. You have not really experienced true friendship such as I refer to which is one of great love and caring. The dear one’s who are coming to Earth are very much of this kind, and you will soon experience their love firsthand. Nothing is ever too much for these members of the Galactic Federation who are dedicated to the upliftment of others.

As the energies of change become more powerful, so the dark will become more desperate as their dream is shattered. Just remember that out of the chaos a new era is being born and like some births, it can be difficult and painful. Do not be too concerned at the manner in which some souls leave the Earth, because as strange as it may seem many are pleased to end their time now regardless of the circumstances. They perform a great service for mankind, and you may be assured that they are released from any emotional trauma. Often their lot in life has been hard and their release is welcomed by them.

What a transition you are all in line for, because every one of you will be moving forward. There may be different degrees of advancement, but all will have progressed through their experiences in the cycle of duality. Absolutely nothing is without some value in the school of learning, and all who leave the Earth will benefit. You must also bear in mind that everyone has chosen the path they will move on to, and that choice has to be honored. You cannot know the reasons for individual choice, but be certain that it is in accordance with their needs.

When you appraise the path your friends or loved ones are likely to make, simply remember that their path just like yours is unique. Oh yes, you may have the same goals just now, but all of the time you are adjusting your sight on the greater one that leads to the Godhead. Lead your life into this last period knowing that it is an illusion and one you are beginning to see through. You could if you exercised your powers, bring it to halt anytime and this is why you are encouraged to visualize your victory. Action follows thought, and already you are flexing your muscles, as there is a growing belief in your ability to bring in the changes yourselves.

However, you are not yet sufficient in numbers to carry the responsibilities for change by yourselves, and this is why outside help is being given. The higher forces have been with you for eons of time, helping to ensure that the Plan works out. They cannot however serve your karma, and you have to see your way through it by your own endeavors. We can lessen the impact of some karmic outworking, but in general you reap what you sow as part of your experience.

I am St. Germain, and draw ever closer to you. If uncertainty and apprehension are with you, call on me and the Angelic Kingdom or one who you would know from the higher realms and you will be lifted up. Stay fast, the journey is almost over and great Love and Light continues to be sent to you.

Thanks to organizations like you AfterDowningStreet.org what was done in the dark is now in the light. Thanks to you the major networks are now at least staying on top of the Karl Rove shameful situation, and are exposing the lies from the White House. If it wasn't for this type of organizations the 47% of the Republicans that believe the White House is cooperating would be much higher. I will quote Abraham Lincoln regarding the Repuclican Party: "You can fool some of the Republicans all of the time, you can fool all of the Republicans some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the Republicans all of the time."

The President's credibility is quickly falling in the eyes of the party that put him in office. This administration with their lies have damaged a lot of people, including this nation (USA).

The three branches of government we have are very important in the check and balances of power, but the fourth branch is with out a doubt the media. Thanks to you the truth is comming out to the light, and the truth causes more than damge, it will crush this administration.

Submitted by is that semen on Blair's lips? (not verified) on Tue, 07/19/2005 - 11:23pm.

Blair is so blinded by George's shiny asshole that he cannot even
see the writing on the wall. His own people are right to blame his sorry ass for the bombings. Nobody in their right mind feels good about what happened in London that day (except these goddamned fear mongering pieces of shit who run both of our countries..that way they can legitimize the NEVER ENDING FUCKING STATE OF WAR!!!!!)

in any case, now that I've vented, I wanted to point out that I hope the
Briton's tar and feather their PM for lying to them, and I hope that enough folks in this country TAR AND FEATHER our so called president, his asshole vP, the undersecretary Dougie Feith, Whistle head Rice,
Scooter Libby, Karl Rove, and any other asshole who intentionally took this country to war on NONEXISTENT AND PURPOSELY FABRICATED BULLSHIT
that allowed a whole country to get bamboozled into going to invade Iraq and murder tens of thousands of Iraqi's and cause the unecessary deaths of more than 1765 of our american's lives.

this bullshit has to stop. It's time to start sending massive mail to
the Hill and in London, for Briton's to march in the streets and demand that Blair 'apologize' to them for following an 'earthworm' into a war that should never have happened in the first place.

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